Two pathways with different assessment tests
A complying development certificate, usually called a CDC, is a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward development that satisfies a detailed set of standards. It can be determined by a council or registered certifier.
A development application, or DA, is a formal application generally assessed by the local council. The proposal is considered against the planning controls and matters relevant to the site, and may involve notification, referrals, reports and conditions of consent.
| Question | CDC | DA |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment basis | Must meet every applicable complying-development standard. | Merit assessment against relevant planning controls and site impacts. |
| Decision maker | Council or registered certifier. | Usually council or another nominated consent authority. |
| Design flexibility | Limited where a standard cannot be met. | May consider a site-specific proposal, subject to assessment. |
| Neighbour process | Notification requirements depend on the development and location. | Council may notify or exhibit the application under its policies. |
When complying development may be suitable
CDC can suit work that is permitted by the relevant code and fits all site and design standards. Examples can include some homes, secondary dwellings and renovations, but the category alone does not confirm eligibility.
The site must be checked for zoning, lot characteristics, easements, hazards and exclusions. The design must then be tested against requirements such as setbacks, height, landscaping, privacy, earthworks and building standards that apply to that development type.
When a DA may be needed
A DA may be required when the proposal is not complying development, the site has constraints that rule out that pathway, or the design needs a merit assessment. Supporting information may address streetscape, overlooking, overshadowing, trees, stormwater, heritage, bushfire, flooding, traffic or other site-specific matters.
A DA approval can include conditions that affect documentation and construction. Read them carefully and coordinate any later construction certificate or certification requirements before starting work.
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Discuss Your Project →Both pathways need resolved information
Do not choose a pathway only because it is described as faster. A complete, coordinated application is important in either case. Depending on the project, the package may include:
- survey and title information;
- architectural plans, elevations and sections;
- site analysis and planning calculations;
- structural, stormwater or other engineering;
- energy, landscape, bushfire, flood or heritage information;
- specifications and other documents requested by the authority or certifier.
A sensible decision sequence
- Confirm zoning, constraints and the development permitted on the land.
- Prepare enough concept information to test both site and design standards.
- Ask a suitably qualified planner, designer, certifier or council which pathway applies.
- Compare the effect of the pathway on design, documents, risk and program.
- Proceed only when responsibilities and required information are clear.
The NSW Planning Portal complying development overview and MyHome Planner approval guidance explain the current official framework. Rules and portal processes can change, so verify the position for your property and application date.
See how approvals affect a granny flat budget or compare a knockdown rebuild with a major renovation.
